EPA Issues Winter Wood Heater Warning

As temperatures begin to drop across Wyndham, EPA Victoria is reminding residents to take care when using wood heaters this winter, warning that poor practices can create excess smoke and impact neighbours’ health.

The environmental watchdog says the condition of a wood heater, the cleanliness of the flue and the type of wood being burned all play a major role in how much smoke is released into the air.

EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Dr Jen Martin said using dry, clean wood and maintaining heaters properly could reduce smoke while also improving heating efficiency.

“You’ll get less smoke and more heat for your money, if you do it right,” Dr Martin said.

The EPA is urging residents to have chimneys professionally cleaned each year and avoid leaving fires to smoulder overnight, warning it creates more smoke and increases fire risks.

Under Victoria’s Environment Protection Act, wood heater owners are required to minimise smoke emissions under the General Environment Duty.

The EPA is also warning against burning materials such as treated timber, painted wood, household rubbish, coal, driftwood and green-coloured pine logs commonly found in parks and playgrounds.

The advice comes as many Wyndham households turn to wood heaters during colder weather, particularly in outer suburban and semi-rural areas where wood heating remains common.

Health authorities say smoke from wood heaters can particularly affect people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and older residents.

The EPA is encouraging residents to consider their neighbours and avoid using wood heaters on still days when smoke can linger close to homes.

More information about reducing wood heater smoke and health impacts is available on the EPA Victoria website.